1- San Diego Wiley Coyotes (39-14)- Pepe Sosa (11-1, 1.28 ERA) is still be being as dominant as ever. This season though, the rest of the pitching staff has come together around him. The Coyotes lead the NL in most pitching categories, including ERA (2.75), WHIP (1.16) and OBP (.291). Perhaps more surprising is that they also lead the NL in runs scored. Lou Beech (.324 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 10 SB) really seems to be at home in his first full season in Southern California.
2- Atlanta Soda Poppers (34-19)- The Soda Poppers have been a team that has felt like they were on the verge of breaking into the NL's elite for a few seasons now, but never have been able to take that step. Maybe this is that year. Their success is largely on their pitching staff right now, with a 3.42 team ERA, good enough for 4th in the NL. They have been very good in close games as well, with an 11-5 record in single run decisions. Journeyman pitcher Benito Feliz has been a very pleasant surprise with his 6-1 record and a 1.91 ERA in 47 innings.
3- Charlotte Dukies (32-21)- Pitching and defense still the usual recipe for success in Charlotte. The team is 3rd in the AL in team ERA at 3.75. They are also top three in fewest errors, fewest '-' plays and most '+' plays. Offensively, the team is being paced by 1B Danys Castilla (.286 AVG, 14 HR, 39 RBI) who leads the team in hits and home runs and is second in RBI.
4- Philadelphia Stomp (32-21)- Perennial AL power Philadelphia is right back at the top of the league where you'd expect it to be. As usual, the team is loaded, and balanced. The deep, multinational pitching staff leads the AL in ERA at 3.66. The offense is also very solid, ranking 5th in the AL in runs scored. Quilvio Lee (7-1, 1.89 ERA) could be on his way to another Cy Young season, currently 2nd in the AL in wins and strikeouts.
5- St. Louis Redbirds (31-22)- Baseball is back in St. Louis! After a rebuilding period, the Redbirds have been trending upwards the last few seasons, and this is the season the management and pundits have tagged as the one where it all comes together. A veteran starting rotation, backed up by a young, and potentially star studded lineup. So far, so good in Season 23. The pitching staff is doing well, ranked 4th in the AL with a 3.97 ERA. RF Ronnie Salmon (.335 AVG, 9 HR, 37 RBI) and 2B Javier Lee (.299 AVG, 19 HR, 52 RBI) are both in the early MVP discussion.
6- Little Rock Mockingbirds (31-22)- The reigning NL Champs, despite their strong start, find themselves trying to keep pace with the surprising, and red-hot Atlanta Soda Poppers. There isn't a sense of panic though, as fans and players alike know just how long the season is. RF JP Romano (.314 AVG, 19 HR, 48 RBI), at age 25, is having a breakout season and is the NL's MVP so far.
7- Anaheim Pepper Pickers (31-22)- The Pepper Pickers are taking advantage of what looks to be a two team race in the AL West. They are off to a strong start with a very balanced team. They have an above average offense and pitching staff, though neither is ranked at the top of the AL. OF Ryan Bradford (.320 AVG, 12 HR, 40 RBI) has been the team's most important player this season.
8- Houston Buushwackerz (31-22)- The drought might finally be over for baseball fans in Houston. Though the team has been competitive in recent years, it has been 9 long seasons since their last trip into the playoffs. This has probably been the AL's most pleasant surprise this season. The roster that has been assembled is a nameless one, but in a good way. There is no single standout star player, but a team full of quality major leaguers. A true 'team.' Offensively, the team is being led by 2B Ronny Hurst (.287 AVG, 13 HR, 28 RBI).
9- Oakland Athletics (31-22)- Are the A's another team that has finally put it all together? After a number of seasons that ended below expectations, things seem to be looking up. This team will have to keep playing well though, to keep pace with a surging San Diego squad and hold off a Vancouver team that is sure to put everything together sooner, rather than later. The A's also seemed to have found to player to build their lineup around in 1B Keith Stynes (.372 AVG, 16 HR, 46 RBI). His numbers put him among the MVP candidates for the season thus far, and are even more impressive when you consider that half of his games are played in the very pitcher friendly Oakland Coliseum.
10- Scottsdale Camels (30-23)- The Camels seem to be a team that is always in the mix, and always comes up short at the end... at least that is the case in recent seasons. They have only made the playoffs once in the last eight seasons despite fielding respectable squads. They are off to a strong start, but this veteran laden team is very long in the tooth, with only one ML player under 30. Will they hold up over the course of the full season? Or will the squad fizzle down the stretch? Former MVP Bruce Donovan seems to be enjoying playing half his games in the Dave, with a .290 AVG, 9 HR and 37 RBI.
11- Norfolk Whiskey Jacks (30-23)
12- Vancouver Tragedy Twins (29-24)
13- Richmond Rebellion (27-26)
14- Scranton Wild (27-26)
15- Minnesota Target (26-27)
16- Durham Swamp Hogs (26-27)
17- New Orleans Jazz (26-27)
18- Iowa City Badgers (26-27)
19- Kansas City Krazies (26-27)
20- Chicago Gray Stockings (25-28)
